Review: Samsung Galaxy Note II for Verizon Wireless

"Plasticky"

While I understand the wish list for better build look and feel, I become disappointed in the overlook of the plastic material.

Rather a resin/vinyl material, it is the same material used in safety helmets. Does this make it lack durability? The polycarbonate material absorbs impact far better than stiffer material. This means it protects the cargo inside much better. Thus why they use this material. When insurance claims are made on phones, I think it is far less expensive to repair and refurbish a handset where the inner components haven't been sacrificed due to hard impact. As cars are made to absorb impact to protect the occupants. It is cheaper to total a vehicle rather than pay out very expensive health and medical insurance.

I have this device on Sprint and yes plasticy does describe the feel a bit slick for my taste but the specs far outweigh this skin deep review.

This phone makes for a great daily driver, the size does take a bit getting used to, but this is the 1st phone in a while to give me that wow factor that the device manufacturers have be lacking for years!

So, since the top devices share this trait in their housing composition. .. Would it be safe to say the author that penned this review is a closet Apple Fan Boi taking subtle jabs at Apple's prime competition cleverly shrouded as an impartial review. ...

They are just plasticky, I don't see any other way to put it. Just because two devices are made of the same material, definately does not mean they will feel the same. Also, I would PREFER a device made of plastic, so that stock NFC works, which we all know would not work with a phone that has a metal backing. Besides, that is what a phone case is for.

I'm not so sure the author is trying to pick on Samsung MadFM. He has his opinion on the material and how it is used. Hence HTC being mentioned as a positive.

I, however, strongly disagree with anyone that dismisses the material in general, as being cheap and poor choiced. Aluminum alloy material may present a very attractive appearance, but I feel it should be limited to desktop or stationary devices. The salt content in the human body is a harsh element to these type of metals and can cause tarnishing and discoloring with prolonged handling. Metals such as aluminum also dent and scratch very easily and not as easy to repair. I try to look long term at insurance rates for claims. I have to believe that repairing and refurbishing an alumi...(continues)

I too find it hilarious when someone takes a device that is world renowned for its exceptional and innovative design then squeezes it into an oversized case... looks like a schmoo ate iPhone there buddy.

On another "note", I was dissapointed when the Galaxy Tab 7" did not support voice calling when it was released, I wiuld of so used that! Alas, I settle for the Note II ..

I used to think the same thing about the build until I got one. When I use it, I'm not thinking about the image of it all, I tend to be focused on the use of it. With the cost to replace device if it is damages being on the high side, I bought a shock absorbing case to even further protect it. I'm sure Samsung could have done many things to make it look more expensive, but then it would be able to be a mass market phone, much like like Lamborghinis are very good cars but not realistic for most people. I would rather have the dollar go where more bang is noticeable to me, such as processing power, s pen stylus, battery life, et al.

I had a coworker comment it looked cheap and wouldn't survive a drop, so I asked him to do a 4 foot drop ...(continues)